Kasey St. John, 29
Tulsa
Marketing and Special Projects Manager, City of Sand Springs
Working in municipal government, St. John wears lots of hats. In addition to managing media and communications for the city, St. John also manages several city-operated special events, like the Sand Springs Herbal Affair and Festival; builds relationships in the community, markets the city’s key hallmarks and also works on general economic development. Working in small government has driven St. John to help change the apathy that many have for their representatives. “Why aren’t young people voting?” she asks. “I think there is a gap in how citizens relate to government agencies across the board. As someone who communicates for a local government, it’s my job to show value in our functions so we have informed and engaged citizens.”
Sheena Karami, 31
Oklahoma City
Vice President, Office of the Chief Operating Officer, Ackerman McQueen
Karami is a busy woman, and that’s exactly the way she likes it. “I am truly at my best when my plate is full…having numerous irons in the fire is how I keep going both personally and professionally. Multi-tasking isn’t just a quality I possess, but a way of life for me,” she says. In addition to her duties at Ackerman McQueen, Karami also volunteers for Junior League of Oklahoma City, United Way of Central Oklahoma, Leadership Oklahoma City, Allied Arts and Avant Gardeners. She believes that a positive outlook can impact every aspect of one’s life and lead to success. “Things that are outside of your control are not things to stress about, so don’t give them your focus,” she says. “Instead, know that your attitude and outlook are yours to control. Make a conscious decision to be present in the moment each and every day. Be positive. Work hard and know that as long as you dedicate yourself to your goals, good thing will come your way.”
Andy Langston, 38
Tulsa
Chief Operating Officer, Muscogee Creek Nation Casinos
After a successful career in banking and serving on the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Gaming Operation Authority Board, Langston went into the casino management industry. In 2014, he was selected to become the COO for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation Casinos. As such, he is responsible, for operational functions of all gaming operations managed by the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. He also represents the Creek Nation gaming properties and the Gaming Operations Authority Board to the community, customers, employees, governmental agencies, tribal members and leadership and the public. Langston says to be prepared for the ups and downs in order to be successful. “During one’s life or career there will be good times and bad times. Stay even keeled on your approach to life, and chaos will not be let in letting one achieve with a clear mind,” he says.
Taylor Adler, 39
Tulsa
Salon Owner, Sterling Salon; Aesthetician, Taylor Adler Skin Care
It has always been important to Adler to help women take care of themselves. It was with this in mind that Adler purchased Sterling and Co., and later converted it to Sterling Salon, which provides space for 17 women to run their businesses. “Coming from a tough childhood and raised by a single mom, it has always been important for me to help make a way for women,” she says, “whether by making them look and feel beautiful or building a gorgeous space for them to have the type of career they want and on their own terms.” Adler also spends time with her husband and son, Morgan, who has Dravet Syndrome. It was his diagnosis that led Adler and her husband to purchase propety in the South Boston neighborhood in downtown Tulsa. “We just really started thinking about how we were spending our time, and were we giving back or making things better around us?” She hopes to continue to beautify and attract business to the area.
Hunter Mattocks, 30
Tulsa
Director of Operations Development, AAON Inc.
Mattocks took a job as an engineer with AAON right out of college and settled in Tulsa after growing up in the northern U.S. Mattocks has been with the company since, working his way up to his current position. He also serves as president of the Rotaract Club, an organization committed to the principle of “service above self,” and aims to exemplify the values advocated by Rotary International. He also serves on the board for Rebuilding Together Tulsa, an affiliate of the nation’s largest volunteer organization preserving and revitalizing low-income homes and communities. “In Tulsa, that means that our low-income neighbors who are aging or living with a disability have help to refurbish and restore their homes to warmth and security,” Mattocks says. In the future, he hopes to continue the good work he’s doing, both professionally and personally. “I would like to continue to grow in my position at AAON and advance to a higher level within the organization,” he says.
